DIVORCING PARENTS CAN HAVE A PARAMOUR STAY OVERNIGHT WITH THE CHILDREN PRESENT

A New Jersey family law judge in the Mantle v. Mantle case refused to enforce a consent agreement which provided an indefinite ban on such activity. absent any evidence of inappropriate conduct. recognizing the changing societal morays of the 1970’s the judge said each case must be evaluated: 1. How long the parties have lived apart; 2. If the partner is already known to the child; 3. Whether the child has special mental considerations. A blanket ban can be imposed if the paramour poses a threat to the child through inappropriate actions. See our case of Michlen v. Michlen, 305 N.J. 643 (App. DIv. 1997).